AC055066 Dell 16GB DDR4 3200MT/S ECC RDIMM Memory Kit

Dell AC055066 VxRail 16GB DDR4 Memory Module

Memory Capacity

The Dell AC055066 VxRail memory module features a single 16GB capacity configuration, organized as a 1x16GB module. This specific density is engineered for optimal performance in VxRail hyper-converged infrastructure nodes, allowing for flexible memory scaling across available DIMM slots. The module utilizes dual-rank architecture, which provides improved memory bandwidth utilization compared to single-rank modules by allowing alternate access to memory banks, effectively reducing electrical load and signal timing constraints. This configuration is particularly beneficial in memory-intensive virtualization and database applications common in VxRail environments.

Speed and Data Transfer Capabilities

Operating at 3200MT/s (MegaTransfers per second), this memory module delivers high-speed data throughput essential for modern data center workloads. The PC4-25600 designation indicates a peak transfer rate of 25,600 MB/s per module, ensuring minimal latency for memory-bound applications. This speed rating aligns with the performance requirements of current-generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors and AMD EPYC platforms supported within VxRail systems. The 3200MT/s speed represents the maximum JEDEC-supported frequency for standard voltage DDR4 modules without requiring overclocking, ensuring system stability and compatibility.

Timing Parameters and Latency

The module operates with CAS Latency (CL) timing of 22 cycles at the 3200MT/s data rate. The CL22 timing specification represents the number of clock cycles between a read command and when the data becomes available. While higher numerically than lower-speed DDR4 modules, this latency is proportional to the increased clock frequency, maintaining appropriate performance characteristics for server workloads. Additional timing parameters typically include tRCD (RAS to CAS Delay), tRP (RAS Precharge Time), and tRAS (Active to Precharge Delay), which are optimized for server reliability rather than extreme performance.

Technical Architecture and Memory Type

ECC Registered DIMM Technology

This module incorporates Error Correcting Code (ECC) technology, which detects and corrects single-bit memory errors in real-time while detecting multi-bit errors. This capability is critical for maintaining data integrity in mission-critical applications and preventing silent data corruption. The Registered DIMM (RDIMM) design includes a register (or buffer) between the memory controller and DRAM chips, which reduces electrical load on the memory controller, enabling support for higher module capacities and more DIMMs per channel compared to Unbuffered DIMMs (UDIMMs). This architecture is essential for maintaining signal integrity in multi-DIMM server configurations.

Registered vs. Unbuffered Memory Comparison

Unlike unbuffered memory modules designed for consumer workstations, RDIMMs incorporate address and command buffering rather than passing signals directly to the DRAM chips. This buffering reduces the electrical load on the memory controller, allowing servers to support significantly higher memory capacities – often up to 2TB or more in modern systems. The Dell AC055066 leverages this technology to ensure compatibility with VxRail nodes that require high-density memory configurations for virtualization, database, and analytics workloads where maximum memory capacity is essential.

DDR4 SDRAM Technology Overview

Built on DDR4 SDRAM (Double Data Rate 4 Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) technology, this module represents the fourth generation of DDR memory, offering improved performance, reliability, and power efficiency compared to previous DDR3 technology. Key DDR4 advancements include higher module densities, increased data rates, lower operating voltage, and enhanced signal integrity through bank groups with separate activation, read, write, and refresh operations. The 288-pin physical interface is specific to DDR4 technology and is not backward compatible with DDR3's 240-pin design.

Bank Architecture and Prefetch Optimization

The Dell AC055066 utilizes a 16n prefetch architecture, which allows the DRAM to prefetch 16 bits of data per clock cycle from each memory cell, compared to DDR3's 8n prefetch. This fundamental architectural improvement enables the higher data transfer rates of DDR4 technology. The module employs bank grouping with separate activation, read, write, and refresh operations that can be performed independently in different bank groups, increasing memory efficiency and effective bandwidth for concurrent access patterns common in virtualized environments.

Server Platform Compatibility

Dell PowerEdge Server Compatibility

While optimized for VxRail systems, the Dell AC055066 memory module maintains compatibility with various Dell PowerEdge server platforms that support DDR4 3200MT/s RDIMMs. This includes 14th generation PowerEdge servers and newer, such as the R740, R740xd, R740xd2, T640, and similar models, as well as 15th generation servers including the R750, R750xa, and T650 platforms. Compatibility extends to both Intel Xeon Scalable and AMD EPYC-based PowerEdge systems, though specific configuration guidelines should be consulted for each platform.

Power Efficiency

The Dell AC055066 operates at a standard DDR4 voltage of 1.2V, representing a significant reduction from DDR3's 1.5V operating voltage. This 20% reduction in power consumption translates to lower heat generation and improved energy efficiency in memory-intensive applications. The module supports DDR4's integrated power management features including a separate VPP voltage rail for wordline activation (typically 2.5V) that enables faster row activation and precharge operations while maintaining overall power efficiency. These power characteristics are particularly beneficial in dense hyperconverged infrastructure where thermal management and power budgeting are critical design constraints.

Data Integrity

ECC Implementation and Error Correction

The Error Correcting Code (ECC) implementation on the Dell AC055066 provides single-bit error correction and multi-bit error detection capabilities. This is achieved through the addition of extra DRAM chips on the module that store parity information – typically 8 bits for every 64 bits of data, creating a 72-bit data word. When data is read from memory, the ECC logic recalculates the check bits and compares them to the stored check bits, automatically correcting any single-bit errors and flagging multi-bit errors. This protection extends to the data bus between the memory and memory controller, providing comprehensive protection against soft errors caused by cosmic radiation or electrical interference.

RAS Features for Mission-Critical Workloads

Beyond basic ECC, this memory module supports additional Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability (RAS) features when deployed in compatible systems. These include memory scrubbing (both patrol and demand scrubbing), which proactively searches for and corrects memory errors before they can accumulate; memory mirroring, which maintains duplicate copies of data in separate memory channels for immediate failover; and memory sparing, where specific DIMMs are held in reserve to automatically replace failed DIMMs. These enterprise-grade features make the Dell AC055066 suitable for mission-critical applications where downtime is unacceptable.

Signal Integrity

The Dell AC055066 utilizes a high-quality 288-pin printed circuit board with optimized trace routing and signal integrity features necessary for reliable operation at 3200MT/s data rates. The PCB incorporates multiple layers with dedicated power and ground planes that reduce electrical noise and crosstalk between signals. The edge connector features gold-plated contacts for reliable connection and corrosion resistance. The module's physical design accounts for mechanical clearance requirements in densely populated server configurations and includes proper component spacing to facilitate effective airflow for cooling.

DIMM Module Physical Dimensions

The Dell AC055066 conforms to the standard DDR4 DIMM form factor with overall dimensions of approximately 133.35mm (5.25 inches) in length and 31.25mm (1.23 inches) in height. The exact height may vary slightly depending on the heat spreader design, but remains within JEDEC specifications to ensure compatibility with server retention mechanisms and adjacent component clearances. The 1.0mm thick PCB provides structural rigidity while maintaining compatibility with standard DDR4 DIMM slots across various server platforms. The module weight typically ranges between 30-40 grams depending on the specific component configuration and heat spreader implementation.

288-Pin Connector Interface

The module features a 288-pin edge connector interface with a single keying notch positioned to prevent insertion into incompatible DDR3 or other memory slots. The pin arrangement follows JEDEC standardization for DDR4 RDIMMs, with specific pins allocated for data (DQ), data strobe (DQS), command/address (CA), chip select (CS), clock (CK), and various power and ground connections. The connector utilizes a 0.85mm pitch between contacts, with the keying notch located between pins 144 and 145 to physically prevent installation in DDR3 slots which have a different notch position.

Database and Analytics Applications

In-Memory Database Performance

For in-memory databases such as SAP HANA, Oracle Database In-Memory, or Microsoft SQL Server In-Memory OLTP, the Dell AC055066 provides the combination of capacity, speed, and reliability required for production deployments. The 16GB module density allows for flexible scaling of in-memory database sizes, while the 3200MT/s speed ensures low-latency data access for real-time analytics workloads. ECC protection is particularly critical for in-memory databases where the entire dataset resides in memory, as uncorrected errors could corrupt business-critical information. The module's registered design ensures signal integrity even in fully populated systems running at maximum memory bandwidth.

Big Data and Analytics Platforms

Big data platforms including Hadoop, Spark, and similar distributed computing frameworks benefit from the balanced performance characteristics of the Dell AC055066 memory. These workloads typically involve large dataset processing with memory requirements that scale with data size and computational complexity. The 16GB module capacity provides cost-effective scaling for worker nodes in distributed clusters, while the 3200MT/s speed ensures efficient data shuffling and in-memory computation. ECC protection prevents computational errors in long-running analytics jobs that could otherwise produce incorrect results or job failures after hours of processing.

Enterprise Applications and General Server Workloads

For traditional enterprise applications including ERP systems, CRM platforms, and collaboration software, the Dell AC055066 provides reliable memory performance with the data protection features expected in business-critical environments. These applications typically benefit from balanced memory capacity and speed rather than extreme performance in either dimension. The module's compatibility with standard server operating systems including Windows Server, Linux distributions, and VMware ESXi ensures broad application support, while the Dell validation provides assurance of compatibility and reliability for 24/7 operation in production environments.